Media

Ricky Rubio’s recent claims will get Cavs fans excited to watch him play next season

Published by
Peter Dewey

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio is feeling the best he ever has in his career as he prepares for the 2021-22 season.

Rubio was traded to Cleveland this offseason, and he’s hoping that his renewed rhythm will help him make an impact.

“I have the momentum from the Olympics, but also during the (2019 FIBA) World Cup before that,” Rubio said. “It really helped me build confidence, playing with the national team. After the World Cup, the season I had in Phoenix was my best year in the league. And I think I can bring momentum from the Olympics the same way I did two years ago now in Cleveland. I feel like I can build on that, I can work off that momentum. I feel the best I’ve ever felt.”

The 30-year-old showed out in a big way during the recent Tokyo Olympics, averaging 25.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game.

Rubio will provide the Cavs with some depth behind Collin Sexton and Darius Garland during the 2021-22 season.

The No. 5 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft averaged 8.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game for the Minnesota Timberwolves last season.

He may not have a huge role in Cleveland to start, but Rubio could find himself playing heavier minutes if he impresses early in the season or if a player is injured.

The Cavs are hoping Rubio helps them improve on last season’s 22-50 finish.

Peter Dewey

Peter is a graduate of Quinnipiac University where he covered the MAAC and college basketball for three years. He has worked for NBC Sports, the Connecticut Sun and the Meriden Record-Journal covering basketball and other major sports. Follow him on Twitter @peterdewey2.

Published by
Peter Dewey

Recent Posts

2016 champ says Cavs ‘found something’ amid series comeback vs. Pistons

The Cleveland Cavaliers have successfully climbed out of an 0-2 hole against the Detroit Pistons…

3 days ago

Jeff Teague says Cavs failed to make deal that would’ve sent them to NBA Finals

The Cleveland Cavaliers still have a legitimate chance to make the 2026 NBA Finals, but…

3 days ago

Kendrick Perkins rips Evan Mobley for impact vs. Pistons: ‘You finish the game with one rebound?’

The Cleveland Cavaliers failed to steal a game from the Detroit Pistons on the road…

7 days ago

Former Cavs player says James Harden needs to come off the bench in limited minutes

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in an 0-2 hole in their second-round series against the Detroit…

1 week ago

Donovan Mitchell suggests that he needs to flop to get calls after free-throw disparity in Game 1

Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell wasn’t happy with the lack of foul calls that he…

1 week ago

Skip Bayless implies James Harden was carried in Game 7 vs. Raptors

The Cleveland Cavaliers got the job done in Game 7 against the Toronto Raptors on…

2 weeks ago